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They will study the effects of climate change on rainfall, temperature and tides - hoping to improve the quality of seashores in both countries to boost tourism and support marine life and agriculture.

Using the latest technology, scientists will try and find sources of pollution and its impact on bathing waters as a result of climate change.

Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford AM

Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford AM said: “Preserving and enhancing the marine and coastal environment in Wales and Ireland for economic prosperity and enjoyment by current and future generations is of vital importance.

“This is another positive example of how EU funds are supporting local economies and communities by helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

The Aberystwyth team is led by Professor David Kay who has been developing technology for monitoring bacteria in bathing and shellfish waters and where drinking water is abstracted since the late 1970s.

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Professor Kay said: “Climate change is predicted to increase extreme rainfalls which transport pollutants to the coast. The timing and magnitude of these effects is key to predicting their impacts on key resources such as bathing and shellfish harvesting waters.

“The Acclimatize project is designed to develop and implement smart and innovative management approaches which will build resilience and sustainability to our coastal water used for bathing and shellfish harvesting.”

In Ireland, the project will focus on bathing waters in Dublin Bay.

Cemaes Bay

Cemaes beach - described as “a jewel in the crown” of Anglesey - is situated near the former nuclear power station being decommissioned at Wylfa and near the site of the proposed Wylfa Newydd site.

The NRW have previously blamed livestock bacteria and excrement as a possible cause of the pollution.

There are warnings that advisory signs for bathers will be placed on this beach this spring, and locals fear tourism numbers will dip unless the water quality drastically improves.

NRW plan to visit 48 farms over the coming months to ensure that slurry and other pollutants are stored appropriately and don’t run off into Afon Wygyr and its tributaries which flow into the sea off Cemaes.

Plans are also afoot to fence off the river to prevent cattle from accessing it, while the septic tanks of nearby residents will also be checked.

NRW has already spent £25,000 on a bridge crossing Afon Wygyr to stop livestock from crossing the river and drinking from it.